GILLIN, F/L Robert Clark (J11211) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.31 Squadron - Award effective 30 October 1945 as per London Gazette dated 6 November 1945 and AFRO 133/45 dated 8 February 1946. Born in Brantford, Ontario, 13 October 1917; home there. Enlisted in Hamilton, 28 July 1942 and posted to No.4A Manning Depot. To No.3 ITS, 1 September 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 7 October 1941; to No.10 AOS, 25 October 1941; to No.1 BGS, 30 January 1942; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 14 March 1942; posted that date to No.2 ANS; graduated and commissioned 13 April 1942. To \"Y\" Depot, 14 April 1942, To RAF overseas, 8 May 1942. . Posted from No.217 Squadron to No.31 Squadron. Promoted Flying Officer, 13 October 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 13 April 1944. Repatriated to Canada, 5 September 1945. Released 22 October 1945. Died in London, Ontario, 9 July 2006. There are documents relating to his career either at Directorate of History and Heritage or in Library and Archives Canada. This officer has taken part in a large number of operational missions. These include the first Chindit operation, the seige of Imphal and supply dropping to the Fifth and Seventh Indian Divisions in the Arakan. He is a navigator of outstanding ability whose courage in the face of seemingly unsurmountable odds has been a source of inspiration to the other members of his squadron. On 21 November 1942 he was a passenger in Wellington HX578 of Temporary Wellington Flight, Waterloo, on a convoy escort flight. On its completion the aircraft was to land at Robertsfield. The crew consisted of J8430 P/O F.P. Bartkiewicz (WOP/AG, killed), R69363 Sergeant J.J. De Marco (WOP/AG, killed), J8218 P/O C.J. Radford (pilot, injured, survived), 119657 P/O A.E. Abraham, RAF (second pilot, survived). J9565 P/O P.V. Lyon (navigator, injured survived) plus J11211 P/O R. Gillin, passenger. Radford had 189 hours 20 minutes flying on type and 396 hours 45 minutes total. Problems began after about 90 minutes flying and 60 miles from the convoy. The aircraft crashed at 6 degrees 50 minutes North, 13 degrees 10 minutes west. Aircraft was cruising when a knocking developed in port engine and smoke was seen to issue from the port engine cowling. There was as yet no apparent loss of power. Oil began streaming over port nacelle. After some time there was an explosion and the top of the port cowling burst open. From this point onwards power dropped. Pilot attempted to jettison depth charges but they hung up. Normal release system also failed. The engine then failed completely and pilot tried to ditch, closing the bomb doors before alighting at about 60 knots. Apparently preoccupied by a DC-3, pilot did not jettison petrol, and aircraft sank within seconds of ditching, taking down one crewman. The dinghy had inflated about 50 feet away and the crew boarded it; they were eventually spotted by a Hudson and picked up by ASR launch and six and one-half hours after ditching. The specific evidence of Gillin (given just prior to posting to India) was as follows: I am an observer in a Hudson crew in transit at Waterloo aerodrome. I was a passenger on Wellington HX578, which was detailed to take off from Robertsfield at 0630 hours 21 November 1942 on convoy escort duty, returning Waterloo about 1430 hours. At approximately 0815 I went forward to second pilot\'s seat while the captain of the aircraft, P/O Radford, went to the astro-hatch to take a sun sight. I was still in the second pilot\'s seat when, at about 0830 hours, the port engine began to make a pop-pop popping noise easily heard above the usual sound of the motors, accompanied by small bursts of gray-white smoke. The captain immediately came forward and took over the controls. I returned to the cabin, where the Wireless Operator, P/O Bartkiewicz, instructed me to get the fire extinguisher ready as the fuselage was beginning to fill with smoke. I took the extinguisher from the bracket and walked aft into the fuselage but the source of the smoke appeared to be under the navigation desk. On returning to my position before the main spar I put my Mae West on and slipped the water bottle inside it. I noticed the cowling had split on the top and caved in at the sides; oil was streaming back over the nacelle. About five minutes after my return to the main spar I heard the captain give the wireless operator instructions to transmit S.O.S. and the I.F.F. to the distress position. During that time the captain and the second pilot had been trying to release the depth charges, but the rear gunner, Sergeant De Marco, did not see them go. On the order \"ditching stations\" I braced my back, head and shoulders against the main spar, facing forward. I saw the wireless operator leave his seat and stuff the Verey pistol and cartridge into his pocket while continuing to operate the Morse key with his left hand. I did not see him get onto the floor, although he may have done so at the last minute. The initial impact was not severe and the plane seemed to wheel to port before all forward motion stopped. I stood up and turned facing the astro hatch which the second pilot was climbing through. The navigator, P/O Lyon, was getting up from the floor behind him. Water, which was coming from forward and below, was already up to my knees and the plane was filling rapidly. My head was not above water for more than eight seconds. As the water came over my head I felt a shock of some violence, which spun me around and threw me off my feet, although I was not stunned. The fuselage appeared to disintegrate. The force of the explosion was definitely not upward as I had to swim upward through wreckage about fifteen feet to reach the surface. Pilot Officer Radford, P/O Lyon, P/O Abraham and P/O Bartkiewicz were already on the surface and P/O Abraham was calling out that Bartkiewicz was injured. There were pieces of wreckage (parachute packs, fabric, a piece of the mainplane) on the water, which did not show any signs of upheaval caused by the explosion. The dinghy was about 40 yards from me. My eyes were stinging with petrol and I had swallowed a good deal of petrol and sea water. The dinghy was about half-inflated, right side up and puckered by its ropes. On reaching it I almost fainted but though better of it. I helped Radford close the larger of the two leaks with a leak stopper and two shoe laces, while Bartkiewicz was placed in the dinghy. I saw no signs of life in his body at any time. Later, Abraham was assisted into the dinghy which shipped a good deal of water. I was in the water about three-quarters of an hour, repairing the leak, and blowing up the dinghy by mouth. Radford stayed in the water some time after me. When he finally got in, the dinghy was still half-inflated and the slightest movement on the part of any of the four of us brought water over the side. After a thorough examination Bartkiewicz was slipped over the side. Later we found the pump, and baled out water so that the dinghy rode better. The dinghy medical kit was opened and a field dressing was placed on Radford\'s leg. I noticed that my watch had stopped at 0846. It had been synchronized in the morning before take off so that 0846 was definitely the time of ditching. We saw the search Hudson on one leg of its search before it spotted us but the distress signals were wet and useless. It spotted us on the next leg that apprioached us, and dropped a Mae West with a bag of food, water and medical supplies, which we secured. Later it dropped some Marine Distress Signals which we also secured. Later Wellington Y appeared and still later the Air Sea Rescue launch picked us up. I was only slightly scratched and bruised and had vomited up the petrol. On examination later the carbon dioxide bottle in my Mae West was found intact, and could not be operated by the lever.

GILLESPIE, F/L Geoffrey Frank Waller (RAF 141555) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 15 November 1944. Born 1922 in Sydenham; home in Crieff, Perthshire; enlisted 1941; trained in South Africa; commissioned 1943. Air Ministry Bulletin 16209/AL.922 refers. No citation other than "completed numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". Public Record Office Air 2/8828 has recommendation drafted 20 August 1944 when he had flown 41 sorties (195 hours eight minutes). 23 Dec 43 - Berlin (7.36) 29 Dec 43 - Berlin (6.26) 2 Jan 44 - Berlin (6.25) 27 Jan 44 - Berlin (7.46) 28 Jan 44 - Berlin (8.36) 30 Jan 44 - Berlin 6.22) 15 Feb 44 - Berlin (6.53) 19 Feb 44 - Leipzig (6.53) 20 Feb 44 - Stuttgart (6.18) 25 Feb 44 - Augsburg (7.05) 1 Mar 44 - Stuttgart (7.01) 15 Mar 44 - Stuttgart (6.55) 18 Mar 44 - Frankfurt (5.02) 22 Mar 44 - Frankfurt-am-Main (5.19) 24 Mar 44 - Berlin (6.44) 30 Mar 44 - Nuremberg (6.39) 18 Apr 44 - Paris (3.37) 8 May 44 - Haine St.Pierre (2.44) 10 May 44 - Ghent (2.19) 11 May 44 - Boulogne (2.33) 19 May 44 - Le Mans (3.58) 22 May 44 - Le Mans (4.15) 10 June 44 - Versailles (3.47) 12 June 44 - Amiens (2.42) 16 June 44 - Renescure (1.45) 27 June 44 - Oisemont (2.15) 28 June 44 - Metz (5.18) 9 July 44 - Lhey (1.46) 10 July 44 - Nucourt (2.45) 12 July 44 - Paris/Vaires (3.08) 15 July 44 - Nucourt (3.30) 17 July 44 - Gagny (2.30) 28 July 44 - Stuttgart (6.17) 30 July 44 - Battle area (2.34) 3 Aug 44 - Nieppe (2.03) 4 Aug 44 - L'isle Adam (2.44) 13 Aug 44 - Falaise (2.38) 14 Aug 44 - TRACTABLE 2 (2.21) 15 Aug 44 - Meisbroek (4.15) 16 Aug 44 - Stettin (4.57) 18 Aug 44 - Sterkrade (3.34) This officer is a skilled and capable navigator in a very successful crew. Flight Lieutenant Gillespie has a long and varied operational career, and has, on many occasions, been placed in imminent personal danger. In spite of this fact he has not veered from his allotted tasks, but has shown a coolness and dogged devotion which has set a magnificent example to all fellow members of his crew. Strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. GILLESPIE, F/L Geoffrey Frank Waller (RAF 141555) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 23 March 1945. Throughout two tours of operations Flight Lieutenant Gillespie displayed outstanding navigational skill and devotion to duty. He has participated in numerous attacks against such vital targets as Berlin, Stuttgart and Frankfurt. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross he has maintained a high standard of cool courage and determination. Public Record Office Air 50/248 has a Combat Report for the night of 1st/2nd March 1944, Lancaster O/405, ND507 or JB507. Crew consisted of J16708 F/L A.J. Van Rassel, 141555 F/O G.F.W. Gillspie, 710165 Sergeant W. Howard, R109440 Warrant Officer F. Billingsley, R211205 Sergeant C.C.Y. Bergeron (mid-upper gunner, trained at No.9 BGS), J14183 F/O E.G. Gray (rear gunner, trained at No.9 BGS and No.22 OTU) and 1043385 Sergeant C.O. Beadman. While on operations to Stuttgart on the night of March 1st, 1944 and in a position 48?50" North 09?30" East, Lancaster ?O? Serial No.JB507 of 405 Squadron was attacked by a twin-engined fighter identified by the rear gunner as being a Me.210. The encounter took place at 19,000 feet altitude while flying at 145 I.A.S. on a heading of 070? True. Visibility was good with 5/10 cloud tops at 12,000 feet and no moon. The enemy aircraft was first sighted by the rear gunner [Gray] silhoetted against the cloud at a range of 1,000 yards in the Starboard Quarter down. The enemy followed the bomber while closing in slowly on the Port Quarter down until it reached a position at 800 yards range at which time it banked towards the bomber and commenced to attack. The rear gunner held his fire until the range closed to 500 yards when he directed the pilot [Van Rassel] to corkscrew port, and opened fire with a short burst of 100 rounds total. The fighter then broke the attack by climbing on the port quarter and was not sighted again. There was no indication of imminent attack and the enemy aircraft did not open fire, no damage was caused to the fighter. Monica and Fishpond was reported unserviceable.

GILLESPIE, F/O Gordon Campbell (J27402) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born in Carleton, Prince Edward Island, 10 November 1923; home there. Formerly with Prince Edward Island Light Horse. Enlisted in Moncton, 21 July 1942 and posted to No.5 Manning Depot. To No.16 SFTS (guard duty), 11 September 1942. To No.6 ITS, 7 November 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 21 January 1943; to No.1 BGS, 20 February 1943; to No.9 AOS, 15 May 1943; graduated and commissioned 25 June 1943. To \"Y\" Depot, 9 July 1943; to United Kingdom, 15 July 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 25 December 1943. Repatriated 8 December 1944. To Moncton, 20 January 1945. To Pennfield Ridge, 16 May 1943. To No.8 OTU, 1 June 1945. To Release Centre, 17 September 1945. Released 22 September 1945. Died in Hampton, New Brunswick, 24 February 2000. No citation other than \"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.\" DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 4 November 1944 when he had flown 34 sorties (181 hours 20 minutes), 20 December 1943 to 17 September 1944. This officer has completed 34 operations against the enemy and throughout his tour has shown great courage and devotion to duty. His crew have only the highest praise for his good work, which is of the highest quality. His assistance in navigation was completely reliable and, while on the bombing run, his cool and calm instructions to the pilot were a great reassurance to the remainder of the crew. His crew has invariably shown the greatest confidence in his ability and his bombing accuracy has been excellent, even on the most heavily defended targets and he has secured no less than nine photographs plotted within the target area. I consider the excellent of Flying Officer Gillespie\'s work fully merits the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The sortie list was as follows: 20 December 1943 - Nickel (1.30, returned early, Wellington aircraft) 22 December 1943 - Nickel, Fontainblue (3.55, Wellington aircraft) 22 March 1944 - Gardening, Kiel Bay (7.40, Halifax aircraft) 26 March 1944 - Courtrai (5.35, Halifax aircraft) 29 March 1944 - Paris (6.30, Halifax aircraft) 9 May 1944 - St. Valery (4.00, Lancaster aircraft from here onwards) 10 May 1944 - Boulogne (3.50) 12 May 1944 - Louvain (4.40) 31 May 1944 - Mont Couple (3.50) 4 June 1944 - Calais (3.40) 5 June 1944 - Merville (4.50) 6 June 1944 - Coutances (5.45) 12 June 1944 - Cambrai (4.45) 13 June 1944 - St. Pol (3.50) 16 June 1944 - Sterkrade (4.45) 21 June 1944 - St. Martin L?Hortier (4.25, day) 23 June 1944 - Bientiques (4.00) 24 June 1944 - Bamieres(4.10) 26 June 1944 - Foret d?Eawy (4.35) 15 July 1944 - Bois de Jardin (4.10) 18 July 1944 - Wesseling (5.30) 23 July 1944 - Kiel (5.35) 24 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9.00) 28 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.40) 4 August 1944 - Bois de Cassons (5.35, day) 5 August 1944 - St. Leu d?Esserent (5.25, day) 7 August 1944 - Caen (4.15, 8 August 1944 - Chantilly (5.15, day) 18 August 1944 - Bremen (6.40) 25 August 1944 - Russelsheim (10.15) 6 September 1944 - Emden (3.55, day) 10 September 1944 - Le Havre (4.35, day) 12 September 1944 - Dortmund (5.40, day) 14 September 1944 - Wilhelmshaven (4.20, day, duty not carried out) 15 September 1944 - Kiel (5.45) 17 September 1944 - Boulogne (3.50, day)

GILLIS, P/O William Edgar (J17233) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.420 Squadron - Award effective 21 October 1943 as per London Gazette dated 29 October 1943 and AFRO 2457/43 dated 26 November 1943. Born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, 4 December 1920; home there. Enlisted in Halifax, 9 July 1941 and granted Leave Without Pay until 17 August 1941 when posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.6 BGS, 1 September 1941. To No.4 WS, 22 November 1941. Promoted LAC, 22 December 1941. To Trenton, 21 February 1942. Returned to No.6 BGS, 25 April 1942. Graduated and promoted Sergeant, 3 May 1942. To “Y” Depot, 26 May 1942. To RAF overseas, 13 June 1942. Commissioned 4 March 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 4 September 1943. Repatriated to Canada, 1 May 1944. To No.6 BGS, 12 June 1944. To Mountain View, 2 August 1944. To No.1 Advanced Gunnery Training School, 2 September 1944; to No.5 OTU, 30 October 1944; promoted Flight Lieutenant, 4 March 1945; to No.3 Repair Depot, 24 May 1945. Released 2 August 1945. // This officer has served throughout his operational career as rear gunner and consistently displayed a high standard of efficiency and accuracy. // Website http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/yorkshire/york43/he866.html records the following incident under title WELLINGTON HE866 DAMAGED BY FLAK, RETURNED TO DISHFORTH AIRFIELD. “On the night of 10th /11th April 1943 this 426 Squadron Wellington was being flown on an operational flight to bomb Frankfurt and left base of Dishforth at around 23.00hrs. The crew bombed the target area through thick cloud onto the PFF markers and around the time they were over the target area the aircraft sustained flak damage. The aircraft landed safely on return to the UK, almost certainly back at base of Dishforth at 07.01hrs.” Crew listed as follows: Pilot - P/O Leonard Alexander Merrifield RCAF (J11069, posted to No.420 Squadron, 23 April 1943 and later awarded DFC), Navigator - P/O George Frederick Keen RCAF (J17489, posted to No.420 Squadron, 23 April 1943 and later awarded DFC), Bomb Aimer - P/O Philip Alfred Andrew RAF (123847, RAF, posted to No.420 Squadron, 23 April 1943 and later awarded DFC), Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Milton Wilfred Warren RCAF, Air Gunner - P/O William Edgar Gillis RCAF (J17233, posted to No.420 Squadron, 23 April 1943 and later awarded DFC).

GILLETT, P/O Ronald George (RAF 177887) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.424 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944. Born 1922 in Shottery, Warks.; home at Leamington Spa; educated at Alceste Road Church of England School, Stratford-on- Avon. Enlisted 1941; commissioned 1944. Air Ministry Bulletin 16587/AL.940 refers. No citation other than "completed operations with courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.2609 (RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation dated 14 September 1944 when he had flown 31 sorties (197 hours 40 minutes), 2 September 1943 to 3 August 1944. Pilot Officer Gillett has proved himself to be a most efficient Wireless Operator. He has completed 31 successful sorties, the majority of which were carried out over heavily defended German targets such as Mannheim, Munich, Hanover, Dusseldorf and Berlin. Pilot Officer Gillett has always shown keenness and determination, setting a very high example to the rest of his crew. From the very start of his tour he has set himself to improve his technical knowledge and to cooperate with the other members of his crew. His quiet and determined efforts have made him one of the most useful members of this squadron. I feel that Pilot Officer Gillett fully deserves the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The sortie list was as follows: 2 September 1943 - mining (3.50) 5 September 1943 - Mannheim (8.10, good bombing results, heavy flak) 6 September 1943 - Munich (9.25, good bombing, lots of flak and flares) 15 September 1943 - Montlucon (8.00, target smashed, one fighter attack) 16 September 1943 - Modane (7.25, bad icing conditions) 3 October 1943 - Kassel (7.45, difficulty evading searchlights and flak) 4 October 1943 - Frankfurt (7.40, ran through wall of searchlights; good bombing) 8 October 1943 - Hanover (5.50, met fighter flare path for first time) 22 October 1943 - Kassel (7.30, strong opposition) 3 November 1943 - Dusseldorf (6.00, good bombing results) 26 November 1943 - Stuttgart (8.48, rear turret unserviceable, fixed in flight) 3 December 1943 - Leipzig (8.35, track aimed at Berlin, spook worked) 20 December 1943 - Frankfurt (6.50, better route but opposition strong) 29 December 1943 - Berlin (7.30, seven enemy aircraft sighted, aircraft shaken by flak) 4 January 1944 - mining (8.00, good trip) 15 February 1944 - Berlin (7.10, largest raid yet) 25 February 1944 - Augsburg (3.25, duty not carried out due to engine failure). 6 March 1944 - Trappes (5.25, good bombing) 15 March 1944 - Stuttgart (7.40, two fighter attacks) 11 April 1944 - mining (6.10) 18 April 1944 - Paris (5.25, medium heavy flak, good bombing) 21 April 1944 - mining (6.00, aircraft hit by light flak over target) 22 April 1944 - Dusseldorf (6.00, good trip, heavy flak en route in) 25 April 1944 - Essen (4.25, opposition from searchlights and flak) 26 April 1944 - Aulnoye (4.55, good bombing results) 1 May 1944 - mining (4.50) 11 May 1944 - Boulogne (3.40, concentrated attack) 5 June 1944 - Houlgate (5.25, pre-invasion attack, slight opposition) 21 June 1944 - Oisemont (4.35, first daylight, heavy cloud) 24 June 1944 - Bonnetot (3.50, good visual results, slight opposition) 6 July 1944 - Siracourt (4.00, accurate light flak over target) 3 August 1944 - Foret de Nieppe (3.35, slight opposition over target)

GILL, P/O Frederick Allan (J89089) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born in Brandon, Manitoba, 7 January 1923; home in Vancouver (mechanic). Enlisted in Vancouver, 27 October 1942. Granted Leave Without Pay until 3 November 1942 when posted to No.3 Manning Depot. To No.2 WS, 8 January 1943; promoted LAC, 12 February 1943; to No.8 BGS, 21 August 1943; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 4 October 1943. To “Y” Depot, 18 October 1943; taken on strength of No.3 PRC, 21 October 1943. Commissioned 16 August 1944. Repatriated 27 November 1944. To Western Air Command, 16 January 1945. To No.6 OTU, 18 January 1945. To No.1 School of Flying Control, 5 February 1945. Promoted Flying Officer, 16 February 1945. To Northwest Air Command, 21 April 1945. To Fort Nelson, 1 May 1945. To Moncton, 16 May 1945. To No.4 Repair Depot, 26 May 1945. To Scoudouc, 14 July 1945. To No.1 ANS, 29 October 1945. To Gander, 8 January 1946. To Eastern Air Command Headquarters, 1 April 1946. Retired 21 June 1946. Died in Sidney, British Columbia, 24 November 2005. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 10 October 1944 when he had flown 34 sorties (186 hours), 31 May to 27 September 1944. Recommendation gives number as J89158 (see P/O J. Waddell, below). // This officer has proved himself to be an outstanding member of a gallant crew, possessing great determination, initiative and skill. His co-operation, coolness and devotion to duty have contributed in a large measure to the success of his crew on their operational tour of 34 sorties, many on major targets such as Bremen, Hamburg, Stettin, Stuttgart, Emden, Bottrop, Brunswick and Russelheim. // For his outstanding ability and strong sense of duty I recommend the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // The sortie list was as follows: // 31 May 1944 - Mount Couple (3.50) // 1 June 1944 - Gardening (4.10) // 3 June 1944 - Gardening (3.50) // 5 June 1944 - Merville (5.50) // 6 June 1944 - Coutances (5.25) // 18 June 1944 - Gardening (3.55) // 23 June 1944 - Gardening (6.50) // 26 June 1944 - Gardening (5.45) // 27 June 1944 - Gardening (5.55) // 12 July 1944 - Acquet (4.30) // 25 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9.45) // 28 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.15) // 1 August 1944 - Acquet (4.20, day) // 3 August 1944 - Ile d’Adam, Paris (4.55, day) // 4 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.40, day) // 5 August 1944 - St. Leu d’Esserent (5.10, day) // 7 August 1944 - Mer de Magna, Caen (5.25) // 8 August 1944 - Foret de Chantilly (5.15, day) // 9 August 1944 - Coulonvilliers (4.05, day) // 10 August 1944 - La Pallice (6.35) // 12 August 1944 - Brunswick (6.10) // 14 August 1944 - Falaise (4.50, day) // 15 August 1944 - Soesterburg (4.35, day) // 16 August 1944 - Stettin (8.50) // 18 August 1944 - Bremen (5.50) // 25 August 1944 - Russelheim (6.40) // 28 August 1944 - Mimoyecques (3.30, day) // 29 August 1944 - Stettin (8.50) // 6 September 1944 - Emden (4.30, day) // 10 September 1944 - Le Havre (4.25, day) // 17 September 1944 - Boulogne (4.25, day) // 18 September 1944 - Bomberg (5.40, day) // 25 September 1944 - Calais (5.10, day) // 27 September 1944 - Bottrop (5.30, day)

McGILLIVRAY, F/O Dougal Archibald (J19973) - Distinguished Service Order - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 3 November 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1/45 dated 5 January 1945. Born in Kirkhill, Ontario, 16 April 1918. Home in Dalkeith, Ontario (farmer); enlisted in Ottawa, 10 January 1941 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. No No.1A Manning Depot, 19 February 1941. To No.16 Explosives Depot, 20 March 1941. To “S”, 13 May 1941. To No.1 WS, 24 May 1941. Promoted LAC , 26 June 1941; to No.6 BGS, 11 October 1941. Graduated and promoted Sergeant, 7 November 1941. To “Y” Depot, 8 November 1941. To RAF overseas, 12 December 1941. Commissioned 22 February 1944. Reported to No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 7 May 1944 but apparently proceeded on second tour. Promoted Flying Officer, 25 August 1944. Repatriated 28 October 1944. To Mountain View, 5 December 1944. To Release Centre, 24 February 1945. Released 8 March 1945. Died in Alexandria, Ontario, 13 September 2013. Obituary gave name as Dougald MacGillivray. Cited with F/L R.E. Curtis (RCAF, awarded DSO), F/L Hugh F. Smith (RCAF, awarded DFC), F/O Robert G. Marshall (RCAF, awarded DFC), F/O Charles F. Wattie (RCAF, awarded DFC) and Sergeant J.D. Rose (RAF, awarded DFM). Invested by Governor General, 2 December 1946. DHist file 181.009 D.1634 (RG.24 Vol.20604) has initial recommendation dated 15 September 1944 and give name as Douglas Archibald. This was on his second tour. First had been 30 May 1942 to 4 December 1942 (three sorties with No.23 OTU (starting with Cologne, 30 May 1942), 23 sorties with No.15 Squadron; second tour had been 5 July to 12 September 1944 with No.428 Squadron (21 trips) - total of 47 sorties, 298 hours 45 minutes. Date of incident below was 12 August 1944. RCAF photo PL-33265 (ex UK-15273 dated 3 October 1944) shows him; caption describes the incident noting that he had never flown an aircraft before. // These officers and Sergeant Rose have participated in a very large number of sorties and have displayed skill, courage and devotion to duty worthy of the highest praise. In August 1944, they were members of the crew of an aircraft detailed to attack Dortmund. Whilst on the bombing run the aircraft came under heavy anti-aircraft fire and was hit. Flight Lieutenant Curtis was wounded in the head. Despite the severity of his injury, this brave pilot remained at the controls and pressed home his attack. Not until the task was accomplished did he ask for assistance. He afterwards collapsed and was placed in the rest position. Flying Officer McGillivray, the air bomber, then took over the controls and kept the aircraft on a course for home. During the return flight his comrades, Flight Lieutenant Smith, Flying Officers Marshall and Wattie and Sergeant Rose set a fine example of coolness and co-operation and did everything within their power to assist in flying the aircraft home. Eventually an airfield was reached. Although he had never previously landed an aircraft, Flying Officer McGillivray succeeded in bringing it down, being greatly assisted by the advice and directions of Sergeant Rose, the flight engineer. These members of aircraft crew displayed rare determination and great courage in perilous circumstances. Flight Lieutenant Curtis had sustained a compound fracture of the skull. Until the time he became incapable of further action he had displayed the courage and tenacity of a fine leader. // Note: The citation is in error; the date of the incident was 12 September 1944. // DHist file 181.009 D.1634 (RG.24 Volume 20604) has original recommendation by W/C A.C. Hull dated 15 September 1944 when he had flown 47 sorties (298 hours 45 minutes) as follows: // On the 12th August [sic, 10 September], on the attack on Dortmund, the piloy of P/O McGillivray’s aircraft was dangerously wounded by flak and the rear gunner killed. P/O McGillivray took over the controls and piloted the aircraft back to England. His coolness and confidence reassured the crew to a major degree and despite having never landed an aircraft before, his landing would have been successful had not the port tyre (which had been damaged by flak) burst on impact. The remainder of the crew undoubtedly owe their lives to the determination, courage and coolness of P/O McGillivray in this emergency. For his courage and coolness in the face of danger, I recommend the immediate award of the DFC. // The sortie list is very poorly typed - first part unreadable; the rest was as follows: // 1 September 1942 - Saarbrucken (5.20) // 2 September 1942 - illegible (6.00) // 4 September 1942 - Bremen (5.45) // 6 September 1942 - Duisburg (3.50) // 7 September 1942 - Warnemunde (5.40, duty not carried out) // 9 September 1942 - Gardening (5.25) // 13 September 1942 - Bremen (4.50) // 14 September 1942 - Wilhelmshaven (5.05) // 16 September 1942 - Essen (1.50, duty not carried out) // 18 September 1942 - Gardening (7.40) // 21 September 1942 - Gardening (7.00) // 23 September 1942 - Vegasack (5.20, duty not carried out) // 5 October 1942 - Aachen (5.00) // 6 October 1942 - Osnabruck (4.30) // 15 October 1942 - Cologne (5.10) // 22 October 1942 - Gardening (6.35) // 23 October 1942 - Genoa (6.30) // 27 October 1942 - Gardening (6.35) // 7 November 1942 - Genoa (6.25, duty not carried out) // 8 November 1942 - Marseilles, Nickels (9.00) // 4 December 1942 - Frankfurt (9.55) // * * * * * // 5 July 1944 - Gardening (6.35) // 18 July 1944 - Wesseling (6.15) // 20 July 1944 - L’Hey (3.45, day) // 23 July 1944 - Kiel (5.35) // 24 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9.20) // 25 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9.10) // 28 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.20) // 3 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.55, day) // 4 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.30, day) // 5 August 1944 - St. Leu (5.30, day) // 7 August 1944 - Mer de Magna (4.50) // 9 August 1944 - Coulonvillers (4.25, day) // 10 August 1944 - La Pallice (6.55) // 12 August 1944 - Brunswick (6.20) // 14 August 1944 - Falaise (4.55, day) // 15 August 1944 - Soesterburg (3.55, day) // 25 August 1944 - Russelheim (9.00) // 27 August 1944 - Mimotecques (3.55, day) // 29 August 1944 - Stettin (10.00) // 6 September 1944 - Emden (4.05) // 12 September 1944 - Dortmund (5.20) // The February 2003 issue of Short Bursts (Air Gunner Association newsletter) carried the following narrative by Robert Marshall: // I am a bit hesitant to relate wartime experiences knowing that many of your readers are my peers in experiences both in and out of the ordinary. Actually my 50 plus ops were, for the most part, pretty routine with the occasional minor "prang" and our aircraft being ventilated with a few pieces of stray flak. I never baled out, never ditched, was never shot down and apart from a couple of strafing exercises never fired my guns. Enemy aircraft were sighted on occasion but they always seemed to be going after someone else. // However on what turned out to be the last trip of our second tour we did have an adventure that probably few other crews experienced. On Sept 14, 1944 we ran into heavy flak over Dortmund and took quite a beating. Our tail gunner (Jimmy Flood from Toronto , on his 66th trip), was killed and our pilot (Russ Curtis from Erie, Penn.) seriously wounded. Our bomb aimer (Dougal MacGillivray from Dalkeith, Ont.) took over the controls and put into practice what he had learned in his one session on a link trainer. Although never having been at the controls of an aircraft before he flew it like a veteran to a somewhat precarious landing at an emergency RAF airdrome in East Anglia. I don't remember much of the trip home but one thing I do remember was looking up in the cockpit and seeing Dougal at the controls with his helmet off to one side and, although he may have been churned up inside, looked as calm and collected as would a veteran pilot. I think I knew then that we were going to get home and down safely. // Russ recovered from his head injury - a piece of flak had cut a groove through the top of his head. The rest of us returned to base and a few days later attended Jimmy's burial in the Canadian section of Brookwood cemetery in Surrey. And a month or so later in mid-October, with the exception of Russ, we were on our way home for the last time. // Dougal and I are the only members of the crew still alive with our fond memories of the others---Russ; Charlie Wattie, navigator (from Barrie Ont.) and Hugh Smith, wireless operator (from Niagara Falls Ont.); who all passed away over a decade ago. // A further note on Dougal: Dougal went overseas in late 1941 as one of ours--a w/ag. At that time four motored aircraft were on the horizon with the crew format changed from that on the old mainstream two motored Wellingtons, Hampdens and Whitleys. On Wellingtons, for example the crew consisted of two pilots, a navigator ( or observer) who had the bomb dropping responsibilities, two wireless operators, one of whom occupied the front turret, and a tail gunner. With the advent of four motored aircraft the crew, as most will remember, was reduced to one pilot and one wireless operator, with the addition of a bomb aimer, an engineer and a mid upper gunner. Hence Dougal arrived overseas when wireless operators were in excess and bomb aimers in short supply. As a result Dougal and some of his classmates were given minimal training and remustered as bomb aimers. Dougal survived a first tour in 1942/43 on Stirlings. // RCAF Press Release No.6836 dated 19 September 1944 from Sergeant J.D. Badger, transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates, reads: // WITH THE RCAF BOMBER GROUP OVERSEAS: -- In the last flight of his operational career, a Ghost squadron bomb-aimer and veteran of two tours had to take over the controls of his flak-riddled Lancaster from the seriously wounded pilot. The bomb-aimer, Pilot Officer Dougal MacGillivray, Dalkieth, Ontario (R.R.1), flew back and landed safely despite his inexperience, vital damage to the aircraft and a tire bursting as the plane touched down. // As the heroic young flier was too shy to explain the feat to the press, his navigator, Flying Officer Charles Wattie of Barrie, Ontario, told the story for him. “It happened on the last operation against the synthetic oil plant outside Dortmund, Germany,” Wattie began. He went on to relate how heavy, predicted flak caught the Lancaster as it entered the target area, again in the bombing run and a third time as the riddled aircraft wavered out from the target area. // The first burst killed the rear gunner, a Canadian lad on his 64th sortie. It was scheduled to be the second to last trip of his two tours. The burst also wounded the American RCAF pilot seriously. Without telling the crew, he pressed on to the target. It is considered remarkable that he was physically and mentally able to continue. The Lancaster was riddled. // “After the trip was all over, I counted 100 holes in the kite,” said Navigator Wattie, “and there were still plenty left”. The rear turret was thoroughly perforated, the port rudder damaged, the trimmings wrecked and a tire hit. When the bombing was done, the pilot told Bomb-Aimer MacGillivray to come to the cockpit. He instructed him and the flight engineer, Sergeant Paddy Rose, RAF, Cork, Eire, to give him a shot of morphia to enable him to carry on, and another shot when they reached an aerodrome to help him accomplish the landing. // However, seeing his condition, other crew members carried their skipper to the rest position amidship, while MacGillivray took over the controls. Though the pilot never lost consciousness, speech began to fail him. While he could still talk, he gave Flight Engineer Rose life-saving directions. MacGillivray was unfamiliar with the job and he had a wreck to work with Wattie commented. “The unserviceable trimmings hindered him particularly. He showed wonderful airmanship.” // As Wattie told how they found a British aerodrome, MacGillivray put in a word for the navigator’s calm guidance throughout the flight. Unfortunately, other aircraft returning from an operation were thronging over the airfield, waiting to land. MacGillivray had to run in and overshoot the runway twice before he could touch down. // As the Lancaster rolled in, wheels down, the damaged tire burst. Navigator Wattie and the mid-upper gunner crouched in the “crash position”, but so skillfully did MacGillivray control the aircraft that they were not even bruised. Then the bomb-aimer brought the plane to a halt quickly, and the crew carried the pilot out before the racing ambulance and crash-wagon arrived. // The whole crew has now been screened from further operational flying, with the exception of Rose who has not yet logged the requisite number of sorties. The others are all two-tour veterans. The pilot is recovering in hospital and has regained his speech. // The 26-year-old MacGillivray farmed before the war, while Wattie taught school. The latter hopes to remain in the permanent force after the war.

GILLIS, F/O Donald James (J25875) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.429 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born in Edmonton, 3 May 1918; home there; attended, McDougall Public and Victoria High Schools. Formerly in Alberta Dragoons. Enlisted in Edmonton, 11 July 1941 and Aero Engine Mechanic and posted to No.2A Manning Depot. To No.3 Manning Depot, 20 August 1941. To No.7 BGS, 7 September 1941. Promoted AC1, 12 November 1941. Promoted LAC, 1 April 1942. Remusteed to aircrew and posted to No.7 ITS, 29 August 1942; to No.6 EFTS, 7 December 1942; to No.4 SFTS, 1 January 1943; graduated and commissioned 30 April 1943. To No.1 GRS, 14 May 1943. To No.31 OTU, 23 July 1943; to “Y” Depot, 23 October 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 30 October 1943. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 31 October 1943. Later posted from No.429 Squadron to No.22 OTU. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 30 April 1945. Repatriated 5 August 1945. Released 14 September 1945. Returned to and resumed his prewar occupation in the automotive business. After two years in Vegreville, he joined the sales staff at Hugh McColl's South Park Motors; retiring after 30 years service as salesman, sales manager, and leasing and fleet manager. Died in Edmonton, 3 May 2005 as per Legion Magazine of November 2005. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.2610 (RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation dated 21 November 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (171 hours 10 minutes), 28 June to 21 November 1944. // This officer has participated in thirty-three attacks on enemy territory, including such targets as Hamburg, the Ruhr and mine laying at Oslo. On numerous occasions Flying Officer Gillis has had the misfortune of having engine failures while returning from operations. On each occasion his superior knowledge of engine handling and his outstanding ability as a pilot and captain of aircraft have carried him through and enabled him to complete his missions under the most difficult circumstances. Throughout his tour he has by his cheerful example encouraged his crew to greater efforts. He has never failed to reach his objective and to carry out his duty in a most exemplary manner. // It is considered that this officer's splendid offensive spirit, combined with his fine operational record fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. //The sortie list was as follows: //28 June 1944 - Metz (7.00, second pilot) 4 July 1944 - Villeneuve St. Georges (6.05, second pilot) 12 July 1944 - Acquet (4.20) 14 July 1944 - Alderbelck (3.40) 18 July 1944 - Mondeville (4.35) 28 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.05) 30 July 1944 - Amaye sur Seulle (4.00) 31 July 1944 - Conquereaux (4.25) 1 August 1944 - L’Hey (3.25) 3 August 1944 - Foret de Nieppe (4.25) 4 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.55) 5 August 1944 - St. Leu d’Esserent (5.20) 7 August 1944 - L’Hoque (4.25) 9 August 1944 - Prouville (4.15) 12 August 1944 - Brunswick (5.40) 13 August 1944 - Aisy (4.35) 15 August 1944 - Gardening (6.20) 18 August 1944 - Connantre (6.25) 27 August 1944 - Marquis (3.40) 28 August 1944 -Fresnay (4.10) 10 September 1944 - Le Havre (4.05) 11 September 1944 - Gardening, Kiel (4.25) 12 September 1944 - Gardening, Oslo (7.00) 17 September 1944 - Boulogne (3.55) 24 September 1944 - Calais (4.35) 27 September 1944 - Sterkrade (4.55) 28 September 1944 - Cap Gris Nez (4.40) 6 October 1944 - Dortmund (6.00) 9 October 1944 - Bochum (5.45( 30 October 1944 - Cologne (6.20) 4 November 1944 - Bochum (5.40) 6 November 1944 - Gelsenkirchen (5.10) 16 November 1944 - Julich (5.05) 21 November 1944 - Gardening, Oslo (6.50)

GILL, F/L Robert Frederick (J4900) - Air Medal (United States) - No.430 Squadron (AFRO gives unit only as 2nd Tactical Air Force) - Award with effect from 3 July 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 602/46 dated 14 June 1946. Born in Verdun, Quebec, 19 November 1921; home there. Enlisted in Montreal, 23 September 1940. To No.2 ITS, 14 October 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 15 November 1940 when posted to No.10 EFTS; graduated 4 January 1941 when posted to No.5 SFTS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 20 March 1941. To Trenton, 30 March 1941; commissioned 20 April 1941. To No.8 SFTS, 22 February 1942; promoted Flying Officer, 1 May 1942; to No.13 SFTS. 7 July 1942. To No.1 OTU, 20 November 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 20 March 1943. To “Y” Depot, 27 March 1943. To UK, 2 April 1943. Attended No.41 OTU. With No.430 Squadron, 27 August 1943 or 27 August 1944 to 1 June 1945. Repatriated July 1945. Retired 4 September 1945. Died in Montreal, 14 March 1983. Public Records Office Air 2/9090 has recommendation by S/L C. Bricker dated 23 March 1945 when he had flown 90 sorties (127 hours 40 minutes). // Operations by this pilot have been many and varied including not only the normal duties of a pilot but also two periods of duty on a Contact Car, working in close liaison with Army fighting formations. His service in the latter field of activity proved of great value. // Missions flown by this officer included Tactical Reconnaissance, Photo Reconnaissance and Artillery Reconnaissance and results have been consistently good. The keenness he displayed in carrying out these sorties successfully was in some measure due to his appreciation of Army problems, gained partly through experience with the Contact Car. // On June 23rd, 1944, operating from the United Kingdom, [he] carried out a Tactical Reconnaissance (two aircraft) of the city of Cherbourg. This operation was of marked importance to the Allied Air Forces since the exact location of some American units was not known. The reconnaissance was carried out at zero feet, despite the intensity and accuracy of enemy flak. Two runs were made from south to north and two runs from west to east from which an excellent appreciation of the battle situation was obtained. Pictures were taken to confirm Tactical Reconnaissance information. // Probably drafted by his Flight Commander as this is followed by Comment by Squadron Commander: // This officer has carried out 90 operations over enemy territory and has produced good results regardless of enemy opposition. He has continued to keep himself well informed on Army matters, providing a source of information for other pilots of the Squadron. As a section leader he always gained the confidence of those pilots flying behind him. // NOTE: When finally published in USAAF Orders this had been reduced to the following. // Flight Lieutenant Gill has completed numerous operational flights over enemy territory and has shown little regard for enemy opposition. His missions have been varied and the results consistently good. In June 1944 he carried out an important reconnaissance of Cherbourg at extremely low level, despite the intensity and accuracy of anti-aircraft fire. He has also participated in several missions in direct support of the Allied armies. He is a most courageous and resourceful leader.

MAGILL, P/O James (J89838) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.578 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born July 1922 in Saskatoon; home there; enlisted Winnipeg 11 December 1941. Granted Leave Without Pay until 14 January 1942 when posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.3 BGS, 28 February 1942 (guard duty). To No.7 ITS, 9 May 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 3 July 1942 but not posted to No.6 EFTS until 15 August 1942; graduated 9 October 1942 and posted to No.4 SFTS; ceased training and posted to No.1 Composite Training School, 14 January 1943; to No.5 BGS, 19 February 1943; graduated 14 May 1943 and posted next day to No.1 CNS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 25 June 1943. To ?Y? Depot, 9 July 1943; to United Kingdom, 15 July 1943. Commissioned 22 September 1944. Repatriated 7 February 1945. Promoted Flying Officer, 22 March 1945. Retired 12 April 1945. Photo PL-35241 shows him. No citation other than \"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.\" Public Records Office Air 2/9039 has recommendation for a DFM (he was still a Flight Sergeant) dated 22 October 1944 when he had flown 38 sorties (162 hours 30 minutes), 11 June to 15 October 1944. * denotes Daylight sortie 11 June 1944 - Massy Palaiseau (5.13) 12 June 1944 - Amiens (4.27) 14 June 1944 - Douai (3.55) 15 June 1944 - Foulliard Dump (5.37) 17 June 1944 - St.Martin l\'Hortier (3.30) 30 June 1944 - Villers Bocage (4.21)* 1 July 1944 - Oisemont (3.57)* 4 July 1944 - St.Martin l\'Hortier (3.57) 5 July 1944 - St.Martin l\'Hortier (4.03) 9 July 1944 - Les Cartelliers (4.26)* 12 July 1944 - Thiverny (4.54)* 15 July 1944 - Nucourt (4.45) 18 July 1944 - Caen H.2 (4.29)* 20 July 1944 - Bottrop (4.47) 23 July 1944 - Kiel (5.24) 28 July 1944 - Foret de Nieppe (3.24)* 29 July 1944 - Foret de Nieppe (4.00)* 1 August 1944 - Anderbelck (3.08)* 3 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.43)* 5 August 1944 - Foret de Nieppe (2.54)* 7 August 1944 - TOTALIZER 3 (4.55) 18 August 1944 - Sterkrade (4.21) 25 August 1944 - Brest (5.24) 27 August 1944 - Homburg (4.16)* 3 September 1944 - Venlo (3.52)* 10 September 1944 - Le Havre (3.31)* 11 September 1944 - Gelsenkirchen (4.17) 12 September 1944 - Munster (4.30) 15 September 1944 - Kiel (5.30) 17 September 1944 - Boulogne (3.03)* 24 September 1944 - Calais II (3.03)* 25 September 1944 - Calais 2B (3.27)* 26 September 1944 - Calais (3.03)* 27 September 1944 - Calais (3.14)* 5 October 1944 - Sterkrade (4.23)* 9 October 1944 - Bochum (5.18) 14 October 1944 - Duisburg (5.08) 15 October 1944 - Duisburg (5.25) Flight Sergeant Magill has carried out 38 operations totalling 162.30 hours during which he has taken part in attacks on important targets such as Duisburg, Bochum, Munster and Kiel. Throughout an extended tour of operations against a considerable variety of targets both by day and night, this fine Non-Commissioned Officer has fulfilled his duty as an Air Bomber with the utmost coolness and efficiency. He has demonstrated his ability by the high percentage of \"Aiming Point\" photographs which he has brought back from his many sorties into Germany and the occupied countries. A most conscientious crew member whose courage and cheerfulness have set a fine example to his crew and other members of the squadron. For his exceptional tenacity of purpose and fine record he is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

McGILLIVRAY, FS John Ernest (R83946) - Mentioned in Despatches - No.61 Base (AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas" - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Born 18 August 1915. Home at Parsley, Ontario; enlisted there as Clerk/General, 10 December 1940 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. Reclassified as Clerk/Stenographer, 1 March 1941. Promoted AC1, 10 March 1941. Promoted LAC, 1 June 1941. Promoted Corporal, 21 September 1941. Promoted Sergeant, 1 January 1942. To “Y” Depot, 16 September 1942. To RAF overseas, 27 October 1942. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 20 February 1943. Repatriated 16 November 1945. Retired 15 December 1945. Worked for Toronto Star before the war and for the federal government after demobilization. Died in Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, 11 December 2004. No citation in AFRO. DHist file 181.009.D.2993 (RG.24 Vol.20634) has recommendation sent to No.6 Group HQ, 19 December 1943. // This NCO is a good, solid, reliable and self-spoken NCO who assumes a great deal of responsibility in both the Base Orderly Room and the combined Base Central Registry. He has taken considerable pains and sacrifices to improve the organization of these two offices as well as his administrative knowledge. // In spite of the disruption of the Orderly Rooms and Central Registries as a result of a new establishment which necessitated amalgamation of the Orderly Rooms and Central Registries, a complete review of the total Base Personnel records followed by a visit to Records Office for six days, he maintained a well-organized Orderly Room and Central Registry. His calmness, administrative knowledge, assumption of more than ordinary responsibilities is most exemplary and deserving recognition.

GILLETT, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Frederick Warrington - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 November 1918. Born 1896 in Baltimore, Maryland (mining engineer); attended University of Virginia. Entered U.S. Aviation Service, Newport News, 1 April 1917. Assigned to Royal Flying Corps in Canada and completed training here. Commissioned 1917. Sailed December 1917, arriving in England 17 December 1917. With No.79 Squadron, 29 March to 29 November 1918. To Unemployed List, 7 March 1919. Returned to United States after the war to enter liquor importing business, director of a banking firm and a realtor. Died in Baltimore, 21 December 1969. See Cross and Cockade Journal, Summer 1964 and Spring 1970. // When attacking a kite balloon a two-seater guarding it advanced to engage him; Lieutenant Gillett shot the machine down, and turning to the balloon, which was being rapidly hauled down, he dropped two bombs at the winch and fired a drum into the balloon, which deflated but did not catch fire. In addition to this two-seater, this officer has accounted for two other machines and a kite balloon. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/1580 has recommendation forwarded on 6 September 1918 from Second Brigade to Headquarters, Royal Air Force: // On the 3 August 1918 Lieutenant Gillett shot down in flames a kite balloon over Le Pont Mortier. // On the 18 August 1918 when attacking a kite balloon over Estaires, he was attacked by a Fokker biplane; getting on to his opponent's tail he fired 100 rounds into him at very short range; the Fokker crashed one-half mile south of Croix di Bac. // On the 24 August 1918 when on offensive patrol east of Bailleul, Lieutenant Gillett attacked and shot down a DFW two-seater which fell two miles east of Bailleul. // On the 1 September 1918, Lieutenant Gillett attacked a kite balloon northeast of Armentieres; a LVG two-seater guarding the balloon approached and was shot down. Lieutenant Gillett then turned to the balloon which was being rapidly hauled down. He dropped two bombs at the winch and fired a drum into the balloon which visibly deflated but did not catch fire. // GILLETT, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Frederick Warrington - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 8 February 1919. // A pilot of great dash and skill who, since 3rd August has destroyed twelve hostile aircraft. On 29th September, when on low line patrol, he attacked three Fokkers, driving down one, which fell in flames. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/1580 has recommendation forwarded on 8 October 1918 from Second Brigade to Headquarters, Royal Air Force. // On the 5 September 1918 when on offensive patrol east of Armentieres, Lieutenant Gillett shot down a Fokker scout. // On the 21 September 1918 when on balloon patrol between Maubourdin and Wavrin, Lieutenant Gillett attacked and destroyed a Fokker whose port wing broke up in the air. // On the 28 September 1918 when on line patrol near Bousbecque, Lieutenant Gillett shot down a two-seater Albatross. Later in the day when on offensive patrol with two other machines, they joined in a big fight between Passchendaele and Roulers. Lieutenant Gillett's patrol destroyed four Fokkers of which he accounted for one. // On the 29 September 1918 when on low line patrol west of Roulers, Lieutenant Gillett attacked three Fokkers; one fell in flames on the Menin-Roulers road. // On the 2 October 1918 when on a similar duty four miles east of Roulers, Lieutenant Gillett destroyed a balloon which went down in flames. // On the 5 October 1918 when on offensive patrol near Courtrai, some Fokkers were seen attacking our bombing machines. Lieutenant Gillett shot down one of the enemy scours. // A pilot of great dash and skill who has destroyed twelve enemy aircraft since the 3rd August. // GILLETT, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Frederick Warrington - Croix de Guerre (Belgium) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 15 July 1919. // Air 1/976/204/5/1135, “Brigade Reports, August 1918", copied into Library and Archives MG.40 D.1 Volume 19 has the following for 24 August 1918: // Lieut. Gillet, No.79 Squadron, shot down a D.F.W. two-seater which crashed two miles E. of Bailleul at 7.35 p.m. // Air 1/976/204/5/1132, “Brigade Reports, October 1918", copied into Library and Archives MG.40 D.1 Volume 19 has the following for 9 October 1918: // Lieut. Gillett, No.79 Squadron, at 1625 shot down two Fokker Biplanes, one of which crashed in a field N.E. of Menin and the second near Gulleghem. (Second E.A. confirmed by another pilot.) // The following is taken from Fred Hitchins excerpts of First World War documents. // 3 August 1918 - shot down a hostile balloon in flames. (RAF Communique No.18) // 18 August 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.20) // 24 August 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.21) // 1 September 1918 - When about to attack a balloon, saw an E.A. two-seater flying low which he shot down. He then returned to the balloon, which was being hauled down, and shot it down in flames. Two bombs were also dropped on the winch. (RAF Communique No.22) // 5 September 1918 - “During the course of a combat between a patrol of No.79 Squadron and a formation of Fokker biplanes, Lt.F.W. Gillett shot down one E.A. which burst into flames on the ground, and Captain F.I. Lord attacked another which fell over on its back and a large object, which would appear to have been the pilot, was seen to leave the machine which was last seen falling on its back within 200 feet of the ground.” (RAF Communique No.23) // 21 September 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique 25) // 22 September 1918 - DFC to Lt. F.W. Gillett // 28 September 1918 - “Pilots of No.79 Squadron destroyed seven hostile machines during the day. During this combat. Lt. F.W. Gillett also brought down one of the E.A. Earlier in the day this pilot also shot down an enemy two-seater which was seen to crash. Captain R.B. Bannerman, Captain F.I. Lord, and Lt. F. Woolley also accounted for one E.A. each.” (RAF Communique No.26) // 29 September 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.26) // 2 October 1918 - Lt. F.W. Gillett, No.79, shot down a hostile balloon in flames (RAF Communique No.27) // 5 October 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.27) // 8 October 1918 - brought down a Fokker biplane, and a little later attacked another, which was diving on a Belgian machine, which he also destroyed (RAF Communique No.28) // 14 October 1918 -Captain F.W. Gillett, No.79, brought down two E.A. (RAF Communique No.29) // 20 October 1918 - Bar to DFC to Lt. F.W. Gillett. // 4 November 1918 - Captain F.W. Gillett, No.79, brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.32). // Document 204/228/5 lists his victories as follows: // 3 August 1918 - kite balloon - Estaires - in flames. // 18 August 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Estaires - crashed near Sailly. // 24 August 1918 -D.F.W. - East of Bailleul - crashed // 1 September 1918 - L.V.G. - Armentieres - crashed // 5 September 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Armentieres - in flames // 21 September 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Wavrin - crashed in Wavrin // 28 September 1918 - Albatross two-seater - Bousbeque - crashed there. // 28 September 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Roulers - crashed. // 29 September 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Roulers - in flames on Menin-Roulers road. // 2 October 1918 - kite balloon - east of Roulers - in flames. // 5 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Courtrai - crashed there. // 8 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Menin - in flames near Gullegham. // 8 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Menin - crashed. // 14 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Gitz - crashed near Gitz. // 14 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Inglemaster - crashed near canal. // 4 November 1918 - Reumaix - crashed. // 9 November 1918 - Hekelgem - crashed. // 9 November 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Hekelgem - collided. // 9 November 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Hekelgem - collided. // Another list in 204/228/5 dated the last three as 10 November 1918. // Another list in 204/228/5 added a kite balloon in flames, 1 September 1918. // File AIR 1/1329/204/202/22 (Library and Archives Canada MG.40 D.1 Box 30) has the following Combat Reports: // 28 September 1918 - Dolphins C8121, E4712 and C4059 (two Vickers and one Lewis gun each) - pilots Lieutenants Woolly, J.H. McNeaney, F.W. Gillet - 5.50 p.m. - Between Passchendaele and Roullers - Low Line Patrol - 6,000 feet. Four enemy aircraft destroyed. Enemy aircraft described as ten Fokker biplanes with white tails. Lieutenant Woolley, C8121 - “I saw ten Fokker biplanes attacking. I climbed into a cloud while Lieutenant McNeaney attacked the enemy machines. A dogfight ensued in which I saw two Fokkers go down after which Lieutenant McNeaney went down, followed by a Fokker. I attacked this enemy aircraft and fired a short burst at point blank range and saw enemy aircraft go down and crash.” Lieutenant McNeaney, E4712 - “When on low patrol with Lieutenant Woolley and Lieutenant Gillet, I saw ten Fokker biplanes attack a Bristol Fighter which maneuvered so as to bring several enemy aircraft down to our height. I attacked one enemy aircraft which went down and crashed. I was then attacked by several other enemy aircraft and after firing short bursts at several, I shot another down, which also crashed. Lieutenant Woolley shot an enemy aircraft off my tail after I went down out of control with my aileron controls shot away. Other machines then engaged enemy aircraft.” Lieutenant Gillet, C4059 - “Ten Fokker biplanes attacked a Bristol between Passchendaele and Roullers. In a fight which followed, one enemy aircraft got on my tail. I climbed and did a half roll and enemy aircraft flew east. I chased enemy aircraft firing short bursts at close range. Enemy aircraft fell out of control and crashed about a mile southeast of Passchendaele.” // File AIR 1/1226/207/2/2634/79 (Library and Archives Canada MG.40 D.1 Box 22) has the following Combat Reports: // 5 October 1918 - with Lieutenant Croydon - Dolphins C4059 (Gillett) and F6144 (Croyden) - 8.30 a.m. - Courtrai - Offensive Patrol - 10,000 to 2,000 feet. One destroyed, one driven down out of control. Enemy aircraft described as Fokker biplanes. Text of narrative badly photographed and illegible. // 14 October 1918 - Dolphin C7244 - 1225 hours, near Gits - Offensive Patrol - 1,000 feet. Fokker biplane, black and gray stripes. One destroyed. “I dived on three enemy aircraft near Lecissele [?] but they dived into the mist. I then turned towards our balloons and I saw two enemy aircraft attacking one of them. I climbed up towards enemy aircraft firing short bursts with my top gun. Enemy aircraft turned east and I chased one firing about 150 rounds at close range. Enemy aircraft dived vertically and crashed in a field near Gits.”

GILLIS, 2nd Lieutenant (Honorary Captain) Gordon Harvey (previously recorded, erroneously, as “Henry”) - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 8 February 1919. Born 4 December 1889 in Halifax; home there (accountant). Served with HCA Cadets for four years and with 63rd Highland Regiment (Militia), five months. Attested for service in CEF, Valcartier, 1 April 1915 but elsewhere his records indicate he joined the 40th (Reserve) Battalion there on 14 September 1915. Embarked from Quebec on SS Saxonia, 18 October 1915; disembarked in Plymouth, 29 October 1915. Transferred to 43rd (Overseas) Battalion, CEF, 21 August 1916. On command to London 26 May 1916. To France as Paymaster, 43rd Battalion, 21 August 1916. Admitted to hospital in Rouen, 4 February 1917 (trench fever). To England, 15 March 1917. Proceeded to France, 3 May 1917, resuming duties as Paymaster to 43rd Battalion. Hospitalized again,. 12 October 1917 (tonsillitus). Discharged to duty, Etaples, 16 October 1917. Proceeded to England for duty with RAF. 19 April 1918; to Reading, 14 May 1918; to Eastchurch, 18 May 1918. Granted temporary commission as Second Lieutenant, 6 July 1918. With No.98 Squadron, 8 July 1918 to 4 February 1919 (wounded 23 October 1918 but returned to duty on 27 October 1918); observer. Relinquished commission 5 June 1919. Sailed to Canada, 1 August 1919. Struck off strength of CEF in the course of general demobilization, 8 August 1919. This officer has carried out eighteen successful bombing raids, showing at all times complete fearlessness and disregard of danger, notably on August 30th, October 9th, and October 14th, when he rendered conspicuous service, causing heavy material damage to the enemy and bringing back calculable information. NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/204/36/127 has recommendation passed on 31 October 1918 from 1st Brigade, Royal Air Force to Headquarters, Royal Air Force; this gives his name as Gordon Harvey (as does the London Gazette): For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Captain Gillis has carried out 18 successful bomb raids and has always shown complete fearlessness and disregard for danger. The following bomb raids are particularly worthy of notice. On 30 August 1918 when on bomb raid to Valenciennes this officer did excellent work and shot down one enemy machine out of control. On 9 October 1918, when on bomb raid to Mons Railway Station, and on 14 October 1918 when on bomb raid to Audenarde Railway Junction he again did excellent work and brought back much valuable information. In addition to the above Captain Gillis has brought down one other enemy machine in flames. Public Record Office Air 1/1226/204/5.2634/98, copies in National Library and Archive MG 30 D ADM, Box 22 (Reference 1000303862) has the following Combat Reports relevant to him. His pilot is Lieutenant Frederick Charles Wilton (awarded DFC, 2 November 1918): 8 August 1918: D.H. 9, 2221 Armament - 1 Vickers, 1 Lewis Pilot - Lieut. F.C. Wilton Observer - Capt. C.H. Gillis Time - 6.15 p.m. Locality - Barleix Duty - Bombing Height - 1,000 feet Result - Destroyed, one Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: Fokker Triplanes NARRATIVE After leaving objective and over Barleux a Scout was observed from opposite direction, and on same level. Capt. Gillis fired about 75 rounds into E.A. which caused it to dive steeply, breaking into flames after a drop of about 200 feet. This was observed by Lieut. Wilton and Capt. James. NOTE: The above is annotated “1 crash”. The altitude given, 1,000 feet, seems very low and might be a typo for “10,000 feet” 30 August 1918: D.H. 9, C.2221 Armament - 1 Vickers and 2 Lewis Pilot - Lieut. F.C. Wilton Observer - Capt. C.H. Gillis Time - 6.15 p.m. Locality - Somain Duty - Bomb Raid Height - 11,000 feet Result - Destroyed, nil; Driven down out of control, one Remarks on Hostile Aircraft: Fokker Biplanes NARRATIVE While returning from Valenciennes a formation of Fokker Biplanes attacked from the left; Capt. Gillis fired a burst into one which was observed to go down out of control, but on account of poor visibility was not seen to crash. NOTE: The above is annotated, “1 E.A. Out of control” with s pencilled comment, “NO”. 30 October 1918: D.H. 9, E.692 Armament - 1 Vickers, 2 Lewis Pilot - Lieut. F.C. Wilton Observer - Capt. C.H. Gillis Time - 11.30 a.m. Locality - West of Mons Duty - Bomb Raid Height - 10,000 feet NOTE: There are two Combat Reports, one filed by Wilton (pilot) and one by Gillis (observer). Enemy aircraft are estimated as “30 Fokkers”. Wilton’s narrative is as follows: While returning from Bomb Raid on Mons Railway Station, about 20 E.A. attacked from the front. I opened fire and shot down one E.A. with my front gun. The E.A. spun for a time and then burst into flames. Confirmed by 2/Lieut J.W. Brown (pilot). The narrative by Gillis is as follows: While returning from Bomb Raid on Mons Railway Station the formation was attacked by about 30 Fokker Biplanes and Pflaz Scouts. I fired 20 rounds into a Fokker Biplane which was attacking the first machine on the left. I saw it break uo and go down in flames over Pommereul. The above is confirmed by Wilton. Both reports are annotated “1 crash”.

GILLIES, Sergeant Donald John MacPherson (R89693) - Mention in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 14 January 1944 as per London - Gazette of that date and AFRO 874/44 dated 21 April 1944. Born 23 June 1914. Home in Teeswater, Ontario; enlisted in Hamilton, 4 April 1941 as Radio Mechanic. Granted Leave Without Pay until 27 April 1941 when granted to No.1 Manning Depot. To McMaster University, 13 June 1941. To No.1 Manning Depot, date uncertain. Promoted LAC, 20 September 1941. To No.31 Radio School, 27 November 1941, To \"Y\" Depot, date uncertain; to RAF overseas, 9 February 1942. Promoted Corporal, 1 July 1942. Promoted Sergeant, 4 May 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 August 1944. Repatriated 13 August 1945. Released 2 October 1945. Name also shown as John Donald MacPherson Gillies. Died in Toronto, 25 October 1996 as per Legion Magazine of March 1997.